Asymmetric, optimized common-source bi-directional amplifier

Abstract

A common source, bi-directional microwave amplifier is described. More particularly, the present invention is a microwave, common source, bi-directional amplifier that includes a first amplification path and a second amplification path wherein the signal directional flow is controlled through the selective biasing of the first amplification path and the second amplification path. Each amplification path is designed to optimize desired performance. For signal flow through the first amplification path, the first amplification path is biased-on and the second path is biased-off. For signal flow through the second amplification path, the second amplification path is biased-on and the first path is biased-off.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a bi-directional signal flow amplifier for electronic systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to bi-directional signal flow amplifier topology having a high power transmitter amplifier path for a high level transmit signals and a low noise receive amplifier path for a low level receive signal for electronic systems. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART [0002] Radio frequency and microwave communication systems receive and transmit signals to and from a multiplicity of clients. Electronic systems require electronic hardware such as amplifiers for various signal applications such as low noise signal operation and / or high output power signal operation. Some examples of electronic systems include radar and communication systems. During low noise signal operation, the amplifier boosts the signal gain of weak, low level signals while minimally increasing the system noise figure. During high power signal operation, th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a bi-directional amplifier for electronic systems such as radar and communications systems. It includes a first amplification path and a second amplification path that can control signal directional flow through selective biasing. The amplification paths are designed to optimize desired performance, such as high power or low noise amplification. The amplifier can switch between receive and transmit modes, and in each mode, the appropriate amplification path is activated and the other path is deactivated. The technical effect of this invention is a more efficient and effective amplifier for electronic systems that can switch between receive and transmit modes with high performance.

Problems solved by technology

The elimination of separate function blocks decreases the part count and improves yield and reliability because amplifiers with high part counts complicate the manufacturing process and usually lead to a low mean time to failure and rework.

However, the typical integrated amplifier approach is not as effective as individual functional blocks because Radio Frequency (RF) signal routing by RF switches within a single integrated amplifier usually results in increased insertion loss in both the RF transmit and the RF receive paths, causing increased noise figure for the receive mode, and loss in output power and power efficiency in the transmit mode.

All bi-directional amplifiers featuring passive RF switching topologies have disadvantages, including increased insertion loss, resulting in increased noise figure in the receive path and decreased output power in the transmit path.

However, prior art active RF signal steering topologies also have disadvantages which include amplifiers not designed for optimal high power or low noise applications, and amplifiers having pairs of input and output terminals.

Images